Kimber Kable 12TC Speaker Cable - 1.0 Meter - Banana to Banana - Pair

Kimber Kable 12TC Speaker Cable

Kimber Kable 12TC is a high current braided loudspeaker cable with 24 strands of 19.5 AWG OFE (oxygen free electrolytic) copper. Twelve strands carry each side of the signal, about 8 AWG per leg by Kimber's figure. Kimber insulates the strands with Teflon.

Other length & termination options are available. Call us to discuss your needs.

Why Does a Braid Matter?

Kimber weaves 12TC in a 24 wire counter opposed helix and calls it a low series induction design. It lists nitrogen assisted hand soldered termination as a feature. Per meter, with standard termination, Kimber measures 494 pF of parallel capacitance, 0.09 µH of series inductance and 0.005 ohm of dc loop resistance.

What Is VariStrand Copper?

Kimber builds 12TC from VariStrand copper conductors. The copper is OFE, with industry leading conductivity of 102% IACS, according to Kimber.

Spades or Bananas: What Does Kimber Fit?

Kimber terminates 12TC with its standard 1/4-inch silver spade, which it calls SPADE, or its silver banana, which it calls S-BAN. Kimber says the SBAN has a nickel plated beryllium copper spring that gives consistent pressure with high electrical conductivity. Each listing's title names the connector on each end.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Paul Seydor reviewed 12TC for The Absolute Sound in October 2010, hearing a "Smoother, more extended top end," and "A more pleasing rendition of bloom and atmosphere, a greater sense of 'opening out,' as it were, especially from recordings rich in ambience."

Who Is This Speaker Cable Best For?

• You have a long run or demanding speakers — each leg is about 8 AWG by Kimber's figure
• You want low resistance — Kimber measures 0.005 ohm of dc loop resistance per meter
• You want the maker's own termination — Kimber terminates every cable it sells
• Your speakers have two pairs of binding posts — bi-wire versions feed both pairs
• Your speakers have one pair of binding posts — order a standard listing, not a bi-wire one

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect one end to your amplifier's speaker outputs and the other to your speaker's binding posts, red to red and black to black. Do the same for the second speaker.

The Measuring Mistake That Leaves You Inches Short

Measure the path the cable will really take, around furniture and along the baseboard. Then add a little slack. As Cardas puts it, "A cable that's just long enough usually turns out to be just not long enough." Cardas recommends keeping the left and right runs the same length.

Which Connector Holds Up Best Over the Years?

Spades clamp under a binding post and hold tight. Bananas push straight in, so they connect fastest. Bare wire fits almost anything, but we suggest avoiding it. Bare copper oxidizes quickly, and Cardas notes that copper oxide is not a good conductor. Re-strip bare ends when the copper darkens.

Two Pairs of Binding Posts? Here's What That Means

A bi-wire cable has four connectors at the speaker end instead of two. It is made for speakers with two pairs of binding posts. Your manual shows which links to remove.

Tighten the connections and play something you know well.

When Is It Time to Upgrade?

Speaker cable often stays put for years. Look again when something changes. Moving from bookshelf speakers to floorstanders is the big one. In our experience, about nine in ten people who make that move keep their old speaker cable. A stronger amplifier, a longer run, or darkened ends are the other signs.

Pairs Well With

A speaker cable joins your amplifier to your speakers.

• Floorstanding Speakers — the best time to rethink your speaker cable
• Bookshelf Speakers — the speaker end in a smaller room
• Integrated Amplifiers — the amplifier end in most stereo systems
• Stereo Amplifiers — the amplifier end when you run separates

Frequently Asked Questions

Who terminates this cable?

Kimber does. Kimber terminates all of its cables, and the connectors named in the listing's title are the ones fitted.

What gauge is 12TC?

Kimber puts it at about 8 AWG per positive or negative leg.

What is the difference between a pair and a single?

Kimber says a pair goes from an amplifier to a pair of speakers. In its words, "A single speaker cable goes from an amplifier to a single speaker."

Is there a warranty?

Yes. Kimber offers a lifetime warranty on all its factory-terminated cables, with proof of purchase from an authorized dealer. Audio Advisor is an authorized Kimber dealer.

Should I choose a bi-wire version?

Only if your speakers have two pairs of binding posts on each speaker. Otherwise choose a standard listing.

Need a Different Length or Connector?

The most popular configurations are shown on this page. If your system requires a different length or termination, call our audio experts. We’ll help you choose the right configuration and arrange a custom cable for your system.

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Learn More

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